INTRODUCING FRIENDS UNIVERSITY’S NEW VICE PRESIDENTS

Friends University is pleased to announce the promotion of DR. ROB RAMSEYER to Vice President of Athletics and Strategic Expansion. The promotion is an expanded role for Dr. Ramseyer for the work he has done in expansion along with fundraising and gift development to implement growth strategies for increased revenue.

Dr. Ramseyer holds a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University, a Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Sports Studies from The University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Arts in History from MidAmerica Nazarene University. He began his career at Friends University as the Athletic Director in 2018. He previously held the position of Vice President of Student Development and Athletic Director, Interim Dean of Students and Head Baseball Coach at Hesston College and served as an adjunct professor and assistant baseball coach at MidAmerica Nazarene University.

Dr. Ramseyer was named a 20222023 Cushman and Wakefield National Association of Collegiate Directors (NACDA) Athletic Director of the Year in which only 28 athletic directors across the nation were awarded this honor.

Friends University is pleased to announce the promotion of DR. PRESTON TODD to Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success in which he will also serve on the President’s Cabinet.

The promotion is recognition of the excellent service Dr. Todd has provided to Friends University for the last 16 years. His dedication and innovative professionalism have built effective programs to promote student success as well as his ability to build strong relationships on and off campus with such programs as the USD 259 Early College Academy. Dr. Todd’s work experience coincides with both the Admissions and Financial Aid efforts.

Dr. Todd holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership in Higher Education from Capella University and is a Friends University alumnus with a Master of Leadership and Management and a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies. His previous positions included Associate Academic Dean; Assistant Dean of Student Success for the College of Business, Arts, Sciences and Education; Director of Student Retention Initiatives and ADA Services; Director of Campus and Career Transitions; and Assistant Director of Campus Ministries all at Friends University.

Friends University announces DR. BRENT YODER as Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Dr. Yoder’s new role as Associate Vice President, will oversee the Academic Resource Center and ADA Services along with his continued work in compliance, accreditation, assessment and academic support.

Dr. Yoder holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Organic Chemistry and Future Professoriate from Virginia Tech, a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Business Administration from Eastern Mennonite University and an Associate of Arts in Chemistry from Hesston College. He currently is a Peer Reviewer at the Higher Learning Commission and previously held positions as the Associate Academic Dean and Professor of Chemistry at Friends University; Vice President of Academics and Registrar at Hesston College; Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Illinois College; and Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Greenville College.

Singing Quakers Home Concert

Friends University’s Singing Quakers presented their annual Home Concert. The concert, themed Darkness to Light, was designed to take the audience on a journey from a place of darkness and despair to light and hope.

“In this concert we shared the good news and light of Christ with the audience, offering consolation to those that might have been in a difficult season. This concert illuminated the soul,” said Dr. Rayvon T.J. Moore, assistant professor of music, director of choral studies and Singing Quakers director. “Our amazing and talented students poured themselves into the music and their voices were a gift to all.”

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY PRESENTED WINTER MUSICAL, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Friends University presented a performance of Catch Me If You Can, a high-flying musical comedy about chasing your dreams and not getting caught.

Seeking fame and fortune, precocious teenager, Frank Abagnale Jr., runs away from home to begin an unforgettable adventure. With nothing more than his boyish charm, a big imagination, and millions of dollars in forged checks, Frank successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer all while living the high life and winning the girl of his dreams… until the law catches up with him!

“This riveting, fast-paced show took the audience on a journey of self-identity and rediscovery,” said show director and Assistant Professor of Music Theatre and Dance, Sheldon Mba. “We were thrilled about this production and the unique opportunity Friends students had to be coached for this production by Rachel de Benedet, who originated the show’s role of Paula Abagnale on Broadway.”

Friends University Christmas Candlelight Returned To Campus

Wichita’s beloved holiday tradition, the Christmas Candlelight concert returned to Friends University Sebits Auditorium stage. Concert goers received plenty of what keeps them coming back every year with exciting new additions.

The Singing Quakers, coming up on its 100th year in existence, were joined by the Concert Choir to create a masterful blend of joyous voices over 80 strong. In a tradition started last year, concert goers heard from other groups including jazz, orchestra, band and dance in addition to having the a cappella group, Jazz Vocal Ensemble, back this year! Guests were also greeted with special music played by various chamber ensembles, including the Friends University Flute Choir and Brass Quintet.

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY PRESENTED THE GONDOLIERS, A GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERA

Friends University presented the opera performance of The Gondoliers, a story of love, kidnapping and switched identities. It was an entertaining and boisterous story considered the last great success of the famous theatrical duo, Gilbert and Sullivan. The production featured an orchestra conducted by Music Director, Dr. Matthew Schloneger.

“This show was a wonderful production of great music and typical Gilbert and Sullivan comedy performed by an outstanding cast of singers,” said directors Rolaine Hetherington and Dr. Matt Schloneger.

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY VICTORIOUS IN THE 2022 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF SINGING (NATS) COMPETITION

Over 20 Friends University voice students competed in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) West Central Region Student Auditions at Colorado State University. They competed against college and university students representing a four-state area including Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and Wyoming.

For the sixth year in a row, Friends University had the most finalists of any private school in the region and, for the first time, the most of any university in Kansas! Finalists were eligible to enter the NATS National Student Auditions.

FRIENDS UNIVERSITY’S 30TH ANNUAL JAZZ FESTIVAL

Friends University hosted the 30th annual Jazz Festival with an evening concert featuring two vocal jazz ensembles and a Latin jazz group with guest pianist, vocalist, and composer Justin Binek. Hutchinson Community College’s awardwinning vocal jazz group Badinage opened the concert followed by Friends University’s Jazz Vocal Ensemble for a great set of swing and sophistication. After intermission, a group of Friends University’s elite music instrumentalists had a true headliner set with the group Conjunto Latino.

The final day culminated with performances by Friends University Concert Jazz Band with a set of professional big band charts that showcased some incredible student improvisers and a world premiere from student composer Adin Gilmore. Closing out the show was Ryan Heinlein’s The Project H which is a rock/fusion funk group from Kansas City that plays all original music written by bandleader Heinlein.

WOMEN’S WRESTLING PROGRAM EARNS FIRST-EVER NAIA QUALIFYING SPOTS AT KCAC CHAMPIONSHIPS

For the first time in program history, the Friends University Women’s Wrestling Falcons had NAIA National Championship qualifiers, with Gianna Moreno (sophomore) and Bailee Nelson (freshman) after each posted runner-up finishes at the KCAC Championship meet to qualify for the national meet.

The Falcons left it all on the mat and the 26th-place national finish was top in the KCAC.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PLAY FOR KCAC POSTSEASON CHAMPIONSHIP

The Friends University Falcons advanced to the KCAC postseason tournament for the first time since the 2017-18 season making it to the championship game. Although the game didn’t end how they would have wanted, Head Women’s Basketball Coach Dean Jaderston said, “I’m so proud of this team. It’s not always that a team can say they were at their very best at the end of the season, but this team can. They played so hard and maximized each other’s strengths.”